DCMS have published their response to the Community Radio consultation.
Here’s the response I posted on X:
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport @DCMS has released its response to the consultation on the future of analogue community radio licensing in the UK.
Recognising the significant role that community radio plays in serving local communities, the government has decided to amend existing legislation to allow Ofcom to renew analogue community radio licences that are approaching expiry at the end of 2025. According to DCMS this move aims to provide stability and continuity for these stations, ensuring they can continue to operate.
The government acknowledges the evolving nature of radio consumption, with a notable shift towards digital platforms. In light of this, there is an emphasis on supporting community radio stations in transitioning to digital broadcasting, particularly through small-scale DAB (SSDAB) services (regardless of the suboptimal experience of this platform).
DCMS argues that their approach seeks to enhance the reach and resilience of community radio, enabling it to adapt to changing listener habits while maintaining its core mission of delivering social gain and serving local communities.
@bettermediauk, however, has expressed significant concerns regarding the consultation process for the proposed Community Radio Order, identifying it as flawed and insufficiently inclusive. The organisation highlights that DCMS engaged principally with @community_media & @UKCRN, and @Radiocentre, which represent a limited range of trade interests. Better Media is concerned that this approach has excluded smaller, unlicensed, and minority-focused community radio stations, thereby neglecting the sector’s full diversity.
Key issues raised include:
Exclusive Consultation Scope: The narrow focus on established trade associations marginalises grassroots and minority-serving stations, which play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity.
Licence Renewal Concerns: Proposals for extended 10-year licence renewals risk entrenching existing stations, limiting opportunities for new entrants. Better Media calls for a reassessment of FM spectrum allocation to ensure it benefits local communities and advocates for a full re-advertisement of licences after 20 years.
Resource Allocation and Regulation: The inadequacy of Ofcom’s application fees to cover operational costs undermines effective oversight of the community radio sector.
Call for Delay: Better Media urges DCMS to delay implementing the Community Radio Order, broaden the consultation to include diverse voices, and reassess the framework to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
Dr Rob Watson of Better Media stresses the importance of an inclusive consultation process that reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of the community radio sector, advocating for policies that foster innovation, diversity, and public benefit.